The top 10 New Year's Eve events in Staffordshire

IF you are looking for somewhere special to celebrate the start of 2013 then Staffordshire has an array of parties to choose from.

Whether you are looking for a refined sit-down meal or a raucous knees-up, there is something for everyone this New Year.

One place combining dancing and fine dining on December 31 is The Posthouse in Stafford. The popular venue is offering a seven course meal accompanied by live music in its Pillars restaurant and a party in its bar and Club Red nightclub downstairs. The meal costs £68 per person and includes entry to the bar afterwards while a ticket for the bar alone is £10. The seven course feast includes dishes like scallops and chilli squid, medallions of beef and mille feuille of dark chocolate, while the celebrations downstairs include a set from local covers band Rocky Road.

Events manager Bianca Summers said the evening gave New Year’s revellers the very best of both worlds.

She said: “In the restaurant we’ve got a seven course fine dining menu which starts at around 7.30pm with champagne and canapés. There is also a singer that will perform at different times during the meal. Downstairs in the bar it is a bit more informal but there is also live music and DJs. Whether you want a sit down meal first or want to go straight to the bar you can choose whatever kind of celebration that suits you.”

As the night gets underway the venue’s numerous different areas mean that people can choose whether to get on the dancefloor or put the world to rights in a quiet corner. You can even hire your own private booth.

Bianca said: “As you come in there is a quiet bar and then up a few steps you move into our main bar and nightclub area. There is also a cocktail lounge so there are lots of different areas to mingle in. The nice thing is that there is somewhere to suit everyone so whether you want to have a good dance or sit down and have a chat then you can.”

This is the Posthouse’s second New Year’s celebration and Bianca says it promises to be even bigger and better than 2011.

She said: “We did something similar last year but we have improved it and expanded a bit this year. The bands should be even better and I am sure everyone will have a great evening.”

For details on how to book tickets for the Posthouse’s celebrations and for our pick of Staffordshire’s top New Year’s Eve destinations, check out the list below.

1. Stoke Town Centre, South Wolfe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4SZ.

What: Firework display.

When: 11.30pm.

Price: Free.

Stoke’s only public New Year’s Eve celebration is set to go off with a bang on December 31. Organised and paid for by the people of Stoke, the free event is the perfect way to end 2012. The countdown begins from around 11.30pm.

The Posthouse is offering a double dose of New Year’s Eve fun this year.If you fancy a spot of fine-dining the Pillar Restaurant is offering a six course feast accompanied by singer Sam Riley.Downstairs you can party the night away to the sounds of DJs and local band Rocky Road for just £10. The evening includes a glass of Kir Royal and a series of NYE surprises.

Situated within Burton upon Trent’s historic abbey on the banks of the River Trent, there are few more picturesque places to spend New Year’s Eve than The Winery restaurant. To mark the end of 2012 the venue is holding a party complete with a chef’s speciality buffet that includes seafood, carved meats and salads. After dinner DJs will take centre stage, playing a mix of the latest floor-fillers and classic hits. And if the dancing leaves you feeling peckish, bacon and sausage bites will be served shortly after the clock strikes 12am.

Price: Gala ball £74.95 per person, family party £34.95 adults, £16.95 under 12s and £5 under 5s.

Whether you are looking for family fun or a glamorous gala ball there is something for everyone at the Moat House on December 31. The family night features a delicious buffet, children’s entertainer and disco. For a more adult evening you can don your finest suit or frock for a black and white-themed gala ball. Guests will be treated to a five course meal followed by a Frankie Valli tribute and disco.

For fans of a certain kind of music there is no better place to be this New Year than Longton Hall. As the event’s name suggest the Northern Soul All Nighter offers the very best of the genre from 9pm right through to 6am. The ticket price includes a buffet and storming DJ sets from the likes of Dave Evison, Sean Chapman, Nige Brown, Keith Minshull, Oz, Rob Smith and Kev Roberts.

6. The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone, Ashbourne, DE6 2GZ, 01335 324275.

What: Eight course menu.

When: 9pm-6am.

Price: £95 per person.

If you are looking to end 2012 with a meal to remember then head to the Duncombe Arms. Award-winning chef Matt Wadsley has created a stunning eight course meal, kicking off with champagne and canapés on arrival. Other decadent dishes include a ballotine of Madeira foie gras, halibut and crayfish thermidor and a fillet of beef served with fondant potato and truffled mushrooms. And if all that wasn’t enough the highlight for many diners will be the luxurious trio of classic Duncombe Arms deserts.

7. Genting Club, Etruria Road, Stoke on Trent, ST1 5NH, 01782 213499.

What: Six course meal and live music.

Price: £47.50 per person.

Offering a six course menu, live music and a chance to try your luck in the casino afterwards, Genting’s has everything you need for a memorable end to 2012. Entertainment comes from acclaimed singers Michael Brooks and Natalie Knight. Both mix current hits with classic covers and Natalie is also renowned as the UK’s number one Madonna and Katy Perry tribute act.

Stoke’s Quality Hotel is pulling out all the stops this December 31 with a heady mix of fine food and live music. Guests will sit down to a three course meal in the Longshaw Suite before being entertained by jazz singer and pianist Tom Maurice. The musician has a string of theatrical credits to his name, appearing in numerous musicals, including the upcoming production of Calendar Girls at The Regent Theatre.

What: Four course dinner and DJ or bar only tickets including canapé reception, live music and DJ.

When: 7pm- 2am.

Price: Four course dinner £69.50 per person, bar only £22.50.

The Swan is offering guests a choice of two fantastic ways to welcome 2013 in. Fans of fine dining can enjoy a sumptuous four course meal in the restaurant while those after a more informal evening can head straight to the bar. The four course feast starts with a Champagne reception and includes delectable dishes like game terrine and fillet steak with lobster ravioli. After the meal a DJ will get you in the mood for dancing and there is also a cheese buffet after midnight. Those buying tickets just for the bar will be treated to canapés and Champagne before being entertained by live music and a DJ.

If you are looking to let your hair down this New Year then head for the Sugarmill. The acclaimed alternative music venue is offering an all night shindig guaranteed to give 2012 an explosive send off. Highlights include a special ‘sounds of 2012’ playlist on the roof, free bubbly at midnight and an array of special giveaways.